Mahmudul Haq draws inspiration from nature

An art work by Mahmudul Haque

Since the late 1970s, claims Mahmudul Haque, he has drawn his inspiration from nature and there is no semi-abstract element in his work. There are simplifications of images from nature around like the skies, water, trees, flowers, and other local flora and fauna. Undoubtedly, he acknowledged, there was the impact of the overseas artists who have taught him, guided him, and with whom he has exchanged views. These artists were from countries such as Pakistan, Japan, Europe and most recently Germany. His overseas exhibitions began in his student days in the Far East and brought him in proximity to foreign artists and their views. Consequently, he has always been outward looking, without losing sight of his own origin, of which he is fiercely proud.

Touching on his belief that we in the East, are in no way lagging behind the West in fine arts, he said, that his teachers like M Kibria, Aminul Islam, Kazi Abdul Baset and Safiuddin naturally influenced artists like himself. Since these professors had been to Europe, Japan and USA, they drew their inspiration from all over the world. Consequently, their students too kept international values and concepts in mind, while speeding ahead to portray life around them. He learnt printmaking in Japan, with the hope of returning to Bangladesh, after having culled more knowledge in fine arts. He selected the best from what he could envisage from his studies and his experiences.

Dwelling on why he chose the stream of semi-abstract in his vibrant oil compositions, he explained that the departure from realism was a natural consequence of his development of style. "Colour photography replaced realism and my Impressionistic and Cubist style of simplifying forms. The value of realism has diminished worldwide since the 20th century. Since Francisco Goya and El Greco, the professional artist has combined his emotions and thoughts in his paintings. Why say only that. Cave painting, which is the origin of modern European art -- thousands of years ago -- reflected mankind's personal expression of feelings and views. Again, ancient art considering the subcontinent, China, Japan, Egypt and Babylon -- has always linked up individual perceptions of the artists." The reality in the artist's work should reflect the artist's imagination, experience, fears, hopes and dreams, he insisted.